Two-way communication system

ABSTRACT

A table that incorporates a pivoting two-way communication apparatus is provided. An opening in the tabletop is configured to pivotally accommodate a two-way communication system. The table includes at least one supporting member or leg, and a tabletop supported by the leg. The tabletop defines a substantially horizontal surface. The two-way communication system includes a support and a two-way communication apparatus mounted to the support. The support is pivotally connected to the tabletop and pivotable about a substantially horizontal axis between an open position and a closed position. The support includes a surface that is at least substantially co-planar with the horizontal surface of the tabletop when the communication system is in the closed position. In the open position, the two-way communication apparatus extends from the surface of the tabletop.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to a communication system usedfor two-way audio transmission. More particularly, the presentdisclosure relates to audio communication systems for use in conductingmeetings, teleconferences, and the like.

Generally, conference tables are used concurrently by multiple personsas a gathering place for information exchange. The tables are typicallydesigned to support writing pads and utensils necessary to facilitatethe exchange of information and, in most cases, are designed to supportelectronic devices to communicate information more efficiently. Theseelectronic devices may include, for example, telephones, computers,monitors, speakers and various audio devices, word processors andplay-back devices, as well as the wirings and connectors associatedtherewith.

Because modern business meetings typically require the use of severaldifferent modes of electronic communication, meetings where multipleelectronic devices are required can be problematic because the devicesand wirings occupy a large portion of the table. Consequently, availablework space for meeting participants is reduced and, therefore, overallmeeting efficiency is reduced.

Moreover, the presence of multiple electronic devices including thewirings and connectors associated therewith, can detract from theoverall aesthetic appearance of a workspace. More specifically,increased amounts of clutter on conference tables during meetings cannot only decrease communication efficiency but can also create a lessaesthetically pleasing environment, which detracts from the efficiencyof the meeting.

SUMMARY

In an embodiment, a two-way communication system is provided. Thecommunication system includes a frame having at least one sidewall,where the frame is mountable to a portion of a tabletop. Thecommunication system also includes a support pivotally connected to theframe by a plurality of split bearings. Each of the split bearingsinclude an interior bore. The support is pivotable about a central axisbetween a working position and a storage position. The support includesa top member and a bottom member that define an interior space. The topmember is at least partially exposed when the support is in the storageposition, and the bottom member at least partially exposed when thesupport is in the working position. The communication system alsoincludes a two-way communication apparatus mounted to the bottom memberof the support.

In an embodiment, when the support of the communication system is in thestorage position, a surface of the top member is substantially parallelwith a surface of the tabletop. In an embodiment, when the support is inthe working position, the two-way communication apparatus extends beyonda surface of the tabletop.

In an embodiment, the two-way communication apparatus includes at leastone wiring that is routed through an opening in the bottom member andinto the interior space of the support.

In an embodiment, the two-way communication apparatus includes at leastone wiring that is routed through an opening in the bottom member,through the interior space of the support, and through the interior boreof at least one of the bearings.

In an embodiment, the two-way communication apparatus includes aplurality of wirings, at least one of said wirings being routed througha first one of the bearings, and at least a different one of saidwirings being routed through a second one of the bearings.

In an embodiment, the frame includes at least one detent that resistspivoting of the support when the support is in either of the workingposition or the storage position.

In an embodiment, the communication system further includes a rotationobstructer extending from a side of the support and that is contactablewith plural portions of the frame, where the rotation obstructer limitsthe pivotal range of the support with respect to the frame to about 180degrees. In an embodiment, when the support is pivoted to the workingposition, the rotation obstructer contacts a first portion of the frame,and wherein when the support is pivoted to the storage position, therotation obstructer contacts a second portion of the frame.

In an embodiment, the two-way communication apparatus comprises amicrophone.

In an embodiment, a table is provided. The table includes at least onesupporting member, a tabletop supported by the supporting member, thetabletop defining a substantially horizontal surface and having at leastone opening, and a communication system accommodated within the opening.The communication system includes a support and a two-way communicationapparatus mounted to the support. The support is pivotally connected tothe tabletop and pivotable about a substantially horizontal axis betweenan open position and a closed position. The support includes a firstmember which includes a melamine based substrate, a buffer layer adheredto the substrate, and a surface veneer adhered to the buffer layer.

In an embodiment, the buffer layer includes a substantially oil freewood based veneer.

In an embodiment, the wood based veneer is prepared by a processincluding bleaching the wood, and boiling the wood.

In an embodiment, the buffer layer is adhered to the substrate with anadhesive comprising a urethane prepolymer in a weight percent rangingfrom about 60% to about 70%, and polymeric MDI in a weight percentranging from about 30% to about 40%.

In an embodiment, the communication system has a substantiallysymmetrical cross-sectional shape selected from the following shapes:square; ovular; circular; and rectangular.

In an embodiment, a communication system is provided. The communicationsystem includes a table. The table includes at least one supportingmember and a tabletop. The tabletop included at least one opening and atleast one vertical mounting surface defined by the opening. Thecommunication system also includes a square frame having at least onevertical sidewall, the frame mountable to the tabletop by attaching thevertical sidewall of the frame to the vertical mounting surface of thetabletop. The communication system also includes a support pivotallyconnected to the frame about a central axis between a working positionand a storage position. The support includes a top member and a bottommember that define an interior space. The top member at least partiallyexposed when the support is in the storage position, and the bottommember at least partially exposed when the support is in the workingposition. The communication system also includes a two-way communicationapparatus mounted to the bottom member of the support.

In an embodiment, the square frame is adjustably mounted to the tabletopwith a plurality of securing members. The securing members may be:screws, bolts, nails, and pins.

In an embodiment, a table is provided that includes at least onesupporting member and a tabletop supported by the supporting member. Thetabletop has a substantially horizontal surface and at least oneopening. The table also includes an audio amplification systemaccommodated within the opening, the communication system comprising asupport and a two-way communication apparatus mounted to the support.The support is pivotally connected to the tabletop about a substantiallyhorizontal axis between an open position and a closed position. Thesupport includes a substrate, a buffer layer adhered to the substrate,and a veneer adhered to the buffer layer.

In an embodiment, the substrate comprises melamine. In an embodiment,the buffer layer comprises a substantially oil free wood based veneer.In an embodiment, the buffer layer is adhered to the substrate with anadhesive comprising a urethane prepolymer in a weight percent rangingfrom about 60% to about 70%, and polymeric MDI in a weight percentranging from about 30% to about 40%.

Additional features are described herein, and will be apparent from, thefollowing Detailed Description and the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a tablehaving a communication system in the open or working position;

FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating an embodiment of a table having acommunication system in the closed or storage position;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating an embodiment of thesupport of the communication apparatus in a unassembled state;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the support of FIG. 4 in anassembled state;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the frame ofthe communication system;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the supportof FIG. 4 pivotally mounted in the frame of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of thecommunication system where the support is partially pivoted between thestorage position and the working position, the support being pivotedabout a central pivoting axis; and

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of thesupport, where a member of the support is multilayered.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to tables, communication systems that areintended to be incorporated within a tabletop, and methods forconducting business meetings. As used in the present description, theexpression “tabletop” means any surface that is elevated and designed toafford an individual the ability to utilize the surface for work,eating, or similar activities, including surfaces defined by tables,desks, end tables, coffee tables, or conference tables. For example, thetabletop could include a large conference table that is 40-60 feet inlength and has a plurality of communications systems embedded within ormounted to the tabletop, thereby providing a conference table wherein anumber of people may be seated about the periphery of the table, andhave a separate communication system available for their use.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, an embodiment of a table is generallydesignated by the numeral 10. The table 10 includes at least onesupporting member 12 and a tabletop 14 having a horizontal surface 16and at least one opening 18. The supporting member 12 in the illustratedembodiment comprises two table legs. However, it should be appreciatedthat any number of table legs or other suitable supporting structuresmay be used that provide for an elevated tabletop 14.

The table 10 includes one opening 18 that is configured to accommodate atwo-way communication system 20. In addition, the table may include oneor more additional electronic or peripheral devices 22 that may or maynot be connected to the separate audio amplification systems 20. In oneexample, the peripheral device 22 may be an audio amplification deviceor microphone or other communication apparatus. In FIG. 1, the opening18 is illustrated to be of a substantially square cross-sectionalconfiguration. However, while the opening 18 is shown in a substantiallysquare cross-sectional configuration, it should be appreciated thatother geometric shapes are possible that allow for a pivoting motion ofa two-way communication system 20 embedded in the surface 16 of thetable 10. For example, the opening 18 may be substantially ovular,circular, rectangular, or any other suitable geometric shape. In anembodiment, the shape of the opening 18 should be symmetrical to allowfor a 180 degree pivot between a working position and a storageposition. More generally, the opening 18 should be a shape thatcorresponds to a shape of a working surface and a shape of the storagesurface, such that when the two-way communication system 20 is pivotedfrom one position to another, the working surface and the storagesurface substantially fit within the opening 18.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the two-way communication system 20 is in thestorage or closed position. Therefore, the two-way communicationapparatus 26 is hidden or located under the surface 16 of the tabletop14. In this position, a surface 78 of the two-way communication system20 is substantially parallel and co-planar with the surface of thetabletop 14 to allow for increased workspace to the user or users. In anembodiment, the surface is also aesthetically pleasing and may also havea surface characteristic similar to the surface of the tabletop. Asshown in FIG. 1, the two-way communication system 20 is in the workingor open position. Thus, the two way communication apparatus 26 ortelephone is available for use and it extends from the surface 16 of thetabletop 14.

Although the table 10 in FIG. 1 is illustrated to accommodate a singletwo way communication system, it should be appreciated that the table 10may include any suitable number of systems. In an embodiment, as shownin FIG. 1, the two-way communication system 20 is shown to be embeddedwithin the opening 18 of tabletop 14. The two-way communication system20 includes at least one member or frame 50 (see, FIG. 5) that ismountable to a portion of a tabletop 14 corresponding to the opening 18.The two-way communication system also includes a support 70 pivotallyconnected to the frame 50.

In an embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the support 70 is a squareshaped planar member composed of an first member 100 and a second member104. However, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, thesupport may include any suitable number of pieces. For example, inanother embodiment, the support may be a single piece with one or morechannels bored into the interior such that one or more pathways areformed that allow one or more wirings to be routed from the two-waycommunication apparatus through the interior of the support.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the support 70 includes afirst member 100 having a surface 78 that is exposed or viewable whenthe two way communication system is pivoted into the storage or closedposition. The support 70 also includes a second member 104 having asurface 76 that is exposed or viewable when the two-way communicationsystem is in the open or working position. In an embodiment, a circularbore 90 is formed through the second member 104. In addition, a circularrecess 92 a is formed at least partially into the second member 104 froman interior side of the second member 104. Likewise, a circular recess92 b is formed into the interior surface of the first member 100.Grooves or channels 94 a and 94 b are formed into the interior portionsof the first member 100 and second member 104. In one embodiment, thesechannels 94 a and 94 b are formed from the center of the first andsecond members to the periphery of the members. Thus, when the firstmember 100 and second member 104 are attached to each other by, forexample screws 97 and brackets 98, as illustrated in FIG. 4, a suitablechannel 96 is formed. Thus a suitable pathway is formed from the surface76 of the second member 104 to the sidewalls 94 of the support 70.Accordingly, one or more wirings 68 from the two-way communicationapparatus 26, such a power cord, can be routed from the audioamplification apparatus 26, through the opening 90, through the channel96 and out the sides 94 of the fully assembled support 70. In thisfashion, the wires are not visible to a user and are still capable ofbeing routed to the appropriate power source or data line.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the first and secondmembers 100, 104 of the support further include a plurality of channels99 formed into the interior surfaces of the members. When the first andsecond member are attached, the channels 99 form a plurality ofcylindrical bores that each accommodate a bearing such as a splitbearing 56 (see also, FIG. 4).

The support 70 may also include one or more grooves 73 formed into thesidewall 94. In one example, as best illustrated in FIG. 2, a slightchamfer is applied to the interior edges of first member 100 and secondmember 104, such that when they are attached together the edges form thegroove 73, as shown in FIG. 4. This groove or grooves 73 mate with thespring loaded detent 51 (see, FIG. 5) when the support is rotated intoone of the storage position or the working position. The detent 51 thusrestricts pivotal motion of the support to a certain extent.

In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the frame 50 is a square framehaving four sides 64 and mounted to four edges of the tabletop asdefined by the opening 18 in the tabletop 14. The four sides of theframe may be separate pieces that are screwed together at the ends toform the four sided frame. In another embodiment, the frame is formedfrom a single piece. Although the frame 50 is illustrated in FIG. 5 tobe square, it should be appreciated that the frame 50 may be anysuitable shape and generally corresponds to the shape of the opening 18.For example, if the opening is circular, the frame would also becircular. In an embodiment, the circular frame is a single piece.

In an embodiment, the frame 50 is attached to the tabletop 14 usingfastening means 97 (as shown in FIG. 6) including, but not limited to,screws, nails, nuts or bolts. For example, FIG. 5 shows a frame 50having a plurality of openings 54 that can accommodate a bolt or screwor other suitable fastener. The frame 50 may be removable from thetabletop 14 or integral with the tabletop 14.

As shown in FIG. 5, the frame 50 includes two openings 62. In anembodiment, each of the openings 62 are circular and accommodate a splitbearing 56. The split bearings 56 are rotatable within the openings 62.Moreover, both of the split bearings 56 are rotatable about a commoncentral pivotal axis 58. The bearings 56 function, at least in part, topivotally support the main support 70 of the communication system 20, asdescribed in further detail below.

As shown in FIG. 6, in an embodiment, the split bearings 56 comprise aninterior bore 66. One or more wirings 68 from the two-way communicationapparatus 26 are routed through the interior bore 66 of the splitbearing 56. It should be appreciated that it is not required that thebearings are split bearings. For example, the bearings may be a singlepiece bearing having an interior bore. In another embodiment, the wiresfrom the telephone are guided through the split bearing 56 and are alsosecured or fixed to the split bearing 56. In another embodiment, thewirings 68 are not fed through an interior bore of a bearing and aresimply fed through another opening (not shown) in the frame 50.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the support 70 is pivotallyattached to the frame 50 at two pivot points corresponding the locationof the split bearings 56. In an embodiment, the bearings 56 are at leastpartially inserted into circular recesses formed by the combination ofchannels 99 (see also, FIG. 3) formed into the sides of the support 70.Therefore, the bearings 56 provide support for the support 70 and allowthe support 70 to pivot about the central pivotal axis 58, where thecentral pivotal axis 58 is substantially horizontal and parallel to thesurface 16 of the tabletop 14. In one embodiment, the central pivotalaxis 58 is also located slightly below the surface 16 of the tabletop 14by a distance generally corresponding to half of the thickness of thesupport 70. That is, when the support 70 is pivoted to the workingposition, the surface 76 is substantially parallel with the surface 16of the tabletop 14. Similarly, it is desired that when the support 70 ispivoted to the storage or closed position, that the surface 78 issubstantially parallel with the surface 16 of the tabletop. Accordingly,the surface 78 is exposed when the communication apparatus 20 is in thestorage position or closed position and the surface 76 is exposed whenthe support is pivoted 180 degrees into the working or open or operatingposition.

In an embodiment, the telephone or other suitable two-way communicationapparatus 26 is mounted to the surface 76 of the support 70 such thatthe two-way communication apparatus is hidden when in the storageposition (see, FIG. 2) and is available for use when pivoted to theoperating position (see, FIG. 1). In an embodiment, the two-waycommunication apparatus 26 includes a telephone having a dialing input,one or more speakers and a microphone. The two-way communicationapparatus 26 is appropriately sized to fit on the surface 76 of thesupport 70.

In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the frame 50 includes one or moredetents 51 for securing the support 70 in either the working position orthe storage position. In one example, a spring loaded detent 51 isscrewed into a wall 64 of the frame 50. Corresponding recesses ornotches 73 are formed into the sidewall of the support 70 (see, FIG. 4).Therefore, when the support 70 is pivoted about the central pivotingaxis 58 into the storage or closed position, the detent 51 mates withthe channel 73 to maintain the support 70 in a relatively stable pivotalposition. Similarly, when the support 70 is pivoted about the centralpivoting axis 58 into the working or open position, the detent 51 mateswith a different channel formed in the support 70 to maintain thesupport 70 in a relatively stable pivotal position.

In one embodiment, the user can release the support 70 from the lockedposition by tapping, depressing or otherwise releasing the detent 51.After the support 70 has been released, the user can then pivot thesupport 70 into either the working position or the storage position.These embodiments allow the support 70 to remain in a stable positionand also facilitate the user in pivoting the support 70 from oneposition to another. In other embodiments, the communication system 20includes a drive or motor (not shown) that causes the support 70 topivot to a different position after the user has released the supportfrom a starting position.

In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the frame 50 is a square framehaving four sides, the frame being mounted to the tabletop as describedabove. In this embodiment, two of the sides include recessed portions 60a, 60 b on an interior side of the frame 50. As shown in FIG. 5, therecesses are formed only part of the way through the frame in thevertical direction. A first one of the recessed portions 60 aaccommodates a pin 72 or other suitable protrusion extending from thesupport 70 and functions as a hard stop when the support 70 is pivotedinto the working position. A second one of the recessed portions 60 baccommodates the same pin 72 or another pin and functions as a hard stopwhen the plate is pivoted into the storage position. That is, the hardstops function to obstruct the support 70 from pivoting beyond a maximumpivotal range of about 180 degrees. This reduces the amount of twistingof the wires, where the wires are routed from the two-way communicationapparatus and through the interior bore 66 of the split bearing 56.

In an embodiment, the opening in the tabletop 14 is a rectangularopening sized to accommodate the communication system 20. Therectangular opening defines four walls or mounting surfaces (not shown)that a have a thickness corresponding to the thickness of the tabletop.These four walls include threaded openings for mounting the frame 50.More specifically, the sidewalls 64 of the square frame 50 of thesupport include several openings 54 corresponding to the openings in thefour mounting surfaces in the tabletop. Any suitable attaching meanssuch as screws, pins, dowels, or bolts are fed through the holes 54 inorder to mount the frame 50 to the tabletop 14. Therefore, the frame 50is side-mounted to the walls of the tabletop. It should be appreciatedthat where the opening in the tabletop 14 is circular or ovular or anysuitable shape that the frame is a corresponding shape and wouldsimilarly include holes for side-mounting the frame to the tabletop 14.In one embodiment, the holes 54 of the frame 50 are countersunk andaccept a screw with a tapered head. In this embodiment, the screws aresubstantially flush with or slightly recessed from the inside surfacesof the sidewalls 64 of the frame 50. This allows the support 70 tofreely pivot within the frame 50 without interfering with the mountingbolts or screws.

In an embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the support 70 includes aninterior portion such as a channel 96 for housing and/or guiding one ormore wires 68 leading from the two-way communication apparatus 26 ortelephone to an interior or underside of the tabletop 14. In anembodiment, the support 70 is a split platform that includes twosections that define an interior channel 96, as illustrated in FIG. 4.The wires include one or more of the following: a telephone wire; apower cord; and a network cable such as an Ethernet wire. The wires 68are guided from the bottom of the two-way communication apparatus 26 ortelephone, into the interior of the support 70 through an opening 90 inthe surface 76 of the support 70, as illustrated in FIG. 3. As shown inFIG. 6, the wires 68 are then guided through the interior bore 66 of thesplit bearing 56, thereby also passing through the opening 62 in theframe 50. The wires 68 continue to be routed under the tabletop 14 forconnection to a power source or a data communication jack.

Although the support 70 has been described above as including two maincomponents or members, it should be appreciated that the support 70 maybe a single piece or may include three or more components, such that thewires 68 from the two-way communication apparatus 26 can be suitablyrouted therein.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, the support 70 and frame 50 are shown wherethe support is pivoted partway between the storage position and theworking position. The channels 60 a, 60 b formed into the frame 50function as a hard stop that restrict the support 70 from being pivotedbeyond a pivotal range of approximately 180 degrees. Thus, the stress onthe wirings 68 from twisting is reduced.

In an embodiment, the support 70 includes at least one melanine basedsubstrate having a surface coating or layer 76 or veneer appliedthereto. In one embodiment, the surface layer 76 includes a compositeveneer. In this example, the surface 76 is attached or affixed oradhered to the melanine based substrate. Any suitable adhesive, glue orother suitable affixing medium may be used. It should be appreciatedthat the substrate of the top member 100 may comprise any suitablematerials such as polymer based materials, resins, wood, ceramics or thelike. In an example, the surface 76 has an artificial wood grainappearance. In further examples, the surface 76 may be marble, fauxleather, wood or any other suitable surface material. As mentionedabove, the one-way audio amplification apparatus 26 or microphone isfixed or mounted to the surface 76 of the support 70, such that theaudio amplification apparatus 26 extends above the surface 16 of thetabletop 14 for use.

The other surface 78 of the support 70 includes a table coating having acomposite veneer. In this example, the surface 78 is attached or affixedor adhered to the melanine based substrate as well. Any suitableadhesive, glue or other suitable affixing medium may be used. It shouldbe appreciated that the surface 78 may be marble, faux leather, wood orany other suitable surface material, as described above with referenceto the surface 76. Alternatively, the surface 78 can include othersuitable materials having appropriate cosmetic or tactile appeal to theusers.

In an embodiment, the communication system 20 includes a switch orswitching device (not shown) that activates the power such that when auser pivots the support 70 from the storage position to the working oropen position the audio amplification system powers on. In one example,when the support 70 is pivoted into the working position, the support 70completes an electrical circuit to cause the communication system 20 toturn on or power up. Similarly, when the support 70 is pivoted away fromthe working position, the electrical circuit is broken and thecommunication system 20 is powered down. The switching device may be amercury switch, a roller ball or any other suitable electrical switchingdevice that operates, at least in part, based on gravity. In otherembodiments, the communication system 20 may be powered on even when thesupport 70 is pivoted to the storage or closed position.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the support 70 includes atleast one member that is a layered member 210. The layered memberincludes a substrate 208, a first adhesive layer 206, a buffer layer204, a second adhesive layer 202, and a surface layer 200. In oneembodiment, the substrate is comprised of melamine or a melamine basedmaterial. Melamine is a material generally characterized by the formulaC₃H₆N₆ and has the following chemical structure:

Melamine is used to produce melamine resin, which when combined withformaldehyde produces a very durable thermoset plastic. This thermosetplastic has a relatively low density, is easily machinable and highlydurable. Accordingly, the melamine based substrate is suitable for usein the pivoting support member 70. However, there is a difficultly indirectly adhering the surface layer 200 or surface veneer directly tothe melamine substrate 208. Accordingly, a buffer layer 204 or adhesionlayer is first applied to the melamine substrate 208 with a suitableadhesive 206.

In one embodiment, the buffer layer 204 is a preprocessed wood basedveneer. In one example, the preprocessing includes slicing, bleachingand boiling the wood based veneer to substantially remove the oils fromthe wood. Thus, the buffer layer 204 is a substantially oil free woodbased veneer. The wood based veneer may include one or more types ofwood, where the wood may be African obiche wood that has beenreconstituted according to the above preprocessing methods. However, itshould be appreciated that any suitable wood may be used that hassuitable adhesion properties to the melamine based substrate 208.

In one embodiment, the first adhesive layer 206 includes an adhesivesold under the trade name Gorilla Glue™. This adhesive includes, atleast in part, a urethane prepolymer and a polymeric MDI(4,4′-Diphenylmethane diisocyanate), where polymeric MDI is a mixture ofmonomeric MDI, isomeres and a homopolymer. The urethane prepolymer isincluded in a weight percent ranging from about 60-70% and the polymericMDI is included in a weight percent ranging from about 30-40%. It shouldbe appreciated that any suitable adhesive may be used in the firstadhesive layer provided that the adhesive is suitable for adhering asubstantially oil free wood based veneer to a melamine substrate.

In one embodiment, applying the buffer layer 204 or adhesion layer tothe substrate 208 includes wetting the buffer layer 204, applying theadhesive to the buffer layer 204 or the substrate 208 to form the firstadhesive layer 206, clamping the buffer layer 204 to the substrate 208,and allowing the adhesive to dry or set for approximately five to eighthours.

In one embodiment, the second adhesive layer 202 is applied to the uppersurface of the buffer layer 204. In an embodiment, the second adhesivelayer 202 comprises a polyvinyl acetate (PVA) glue. PVA glue istypically referred to as wood glue or carpenter's glue, and has thefollowing chemical structure:

It should be appreciated that any suitable adhesive may be used in thesecond adhesive layer 202 that sufficiently bonds the surface layer 200to the buffer layer 204. In an embodiment, the surface layer 200 is aveneer having a wood grained appearance. The wood grain can be selectedto substantially mimic a surface of the tabletop. In another embodiment,the surface layer 200 includes a faux leather covering. It should beappreciated that the surface layer 200 can comprise any suitablematerial, covering or coating, and may further include aesthetic ortactile characteristics that would be enhance the overall look and feelof the table.

Accordingly, by providing a buffer layer 204 or adhesive layer betweenthe surface layer 200 and the melamine substrate 208, the surface layer200 does not peel away or separate from the underlying substrate 208.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to thepresently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent tothose skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present subjectmatter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is thereforeintended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appendedclaims.

1. A communication system comprising: a frame having at least onesidewall, the frame being mountable to a portion of a tabletop; asupport pivotally connected to the frame by a plurality of splitbearings each defining an interior bore, the support having a firstsurface, a second surface and pivotable about a central axis between aworking position and a storage position, the first surface at leastpartially exposed when the support is in the storage position, and thesecond surface at least partially exposed when the support is in theworking position; and a two-way communication apparatus mounted to thesupport.
 2. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein thesupport includes a top member including the first surface and a bottommember including the second surface, the top member and bottom memberdefining an interior space, and wherein the two-way communicationapparatus is mounted to the bottom member.
 3. The communication systemaccording to claim 2, wherein when the support is in the storageposition, the first surface is substantially parallel with a surface ofthe tabletop.
 4. The communication system according to claim 2, whereinwhen the support is in the working position, the two-way communicationapparatus extends beyond a surface of the tabletop.
 5. The communicationsystem according to claim 2, wherein the two-way communication apparatusincludes at least one wiring that is routed through an opening in thebottom member and into the interior of the support.
 6. The communicationsystem according to claim 2, wherein the two-way communication apparatusincludes at least one wiring that is routed through an opening in thebottom member, through the interior space of the support, and throughthe interior bore of at least one of the bearings.
 7. The communicationsystem according to claim 6, wherein the two-way communication apparatusincludes a plurality of wirings, at least one of said wirings beingrouted through a first one of the bearings, and at least a different oneof said wirings being routed through a second one of the bearings. 8.The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the frameincludes at least one detent that resists pivoting of the support whenthe support is in either of the working position or the storageposition.
 9. The communication system according to claim 1, furthercomprising a rotation obstructer extending from a side of the supportand that is contactable with plural portions of the frame, wherein therotation obstructer limits the pivotal range of the support with respectto the frame to about 180 degrees.
 10. The communication systemaccording to claim 9, wherein when the support is pivoted to the workingposition, the rotation obstructer contacts a first portion of the frame,and wherein when the support is pivoted to the storage position, therotation obstructer contacts a second portion of the frame.
 11. Thecommunication system of claim 1, wherein the two-way communicationapparatus is a telephone.
 12. A table comprising: at least one leg; atabletop supported by the legs, the tabletop defining a substantiallyhorizontal surface and having at least one opening; and a communicationsystem accommodated within the opening, the communication systemcomprising a support and a two-way communication apparatus mounted tothe support, the support being pivotally connected to the tabletop andpivotable about a substantially horizontal axis between an open positionand a closed position, and the support including a first member, thefirst member comprising a melamine based substrate, a buffer layeradhered to the substrate, and a surface veneer adhered to the bufferlayer.
 13. The table of claim 12, wherein the buffer layer comprises asubstantially oil free wood based veneer.
 14. The table of claim 13,wherein the wood based veneer is prepared by a process includingbleaching the wood, and boiling the wood.
 15. The table of claim 12,wherein the buffer layer is adhered to the substrate with an adhesivecomprising a urethane prepolymer in a weight percent ranging from about60% to about 70%, and polymeric MDI in a weight percent ranging fromabout 30% to about 40%.
 16. The table of claim 12, wherein thecommunication system has a substantially symmetrical cross-sectionalshape selected from the group consisting of: square; ovular; circular;and rectangular.
 17. A communication system comprising: a table havingat least one leg and a tabletop supported by the leg, the tabletopincluding at least one opening and at least one vertical mountingsurface defined by the opening; a square frame having at least onevertical sidewall, the frame mountable to the tabletop by attaching thevertical sidewall of the frame to the vertical mounting surface of thetabletop; a support pivotally connected to the frame about a centralaxis between a working position and a storage position, the supportincluding a first surface that is at least partially exposed when thesupport is in the storage position, and a second surface at leastpartially exposed when the support is in the working position; and atwo-way communication apparatus mounted to the support.
 18. Thecommunication system of claim 17, wherein the square frame is adjustablymounted to the tabletop with a plurality of securing members, thesecuring members selected from the group consisting of: screws, bolts,nails, and pins.
 19. A table comprising: at least one leg; a tabletopsupported by the legs, the tabletop defining a substantially horizontalsurface and having at least one opening; and a communication systemaccommodated within the opening, the communication system comprising asupport and a two-way communication apparatus mounted to the support,the support being pivotally connected to the tabletop and pivotableabout a substantially horizontal axis between an open position and aclosed position, and the support comprising a substrate, a buffer layeradhered to the substrate, and a veneer adhered to the buffer layer. 20.The table of claim 19, wherein the substrate comprises melamine.
 21. Thetable of claim 19, wherein the buffer layer comprises a substantiallyoil free wood based veneer.
 22. The table of claim 19, wherein thebuffer layer is adhered to the substrate with an adhesive comprising aurethane prepolymer in a weight percent ranging from about 60% to about70%, and polymeric MDI in a weight percent ranging from about 30% toabout 40%.
 23. The table of claim 19, wherein the support has asubstantially symmetrical cross-sectional shape selected from the groupconsisting of: square; ovular; circular; and rectangular.